Sleep Apnea & Snoring Treatment

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the throat relax too much during sleep, partially or completely blocking the airway. This leads to pauses in breathing—often lasting 10 seconds or more—followed by a brief awakening or gasp for air. These interruptions can happen dozens or even hundreds of times each night. Although patients with sleep apnea may not fully awaken during these episodes, the repeated disruptions prevent them from reaching deep, restorative sleep. Over time, untreated apnea can significantly impact physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.

It’s not always easy to know when sleep apnea is the cause of your fatigue or snoring. Many people are unaware that they stop breathing at night, and the symptoms may be mistakenly attributed to stress, age, or lifestyle.

If you or your bed partner has noticed any of the following signs, it’s a good idea to pursue a sleep evaluation:

• Loud or persistent snoring
• Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
• Morning headaches or dry mouth
• Daytime sleepiness, fatigue, or brain fog
• Difficulty concentrating or irritability
• Jaw clenching or teeth grinding at night
• Elevated blood pressure or heart palpitations

Even if you don’t experience all these symptoms, one or two may be enough to justify a closer look, especially if your sleep doesn’t feel refreshing.

Sleep apnea is more than just a nuisance—it’s a serious health condition with wide-ranging effects. When the brain and body don’t receive enough oxygen at night, it stresses the cardiovascular system and can disrupt hormone regulation, metabolism, and immune function.

Long-term consequences of untreated sleep apnea may include:

• High blood pressure
• Increased risk of heart disease or stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Depression or anxiety
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Reduced performance at work or school
• Increased risk of accidents due to drowsiness

Addressing sleep apnea early can help prevent these complications and improve your quality of life almost immediately.

For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea—or those who cannot tolerate CPAP—oral appliance therapy offers a safe, effective, and convenient treatment option. This custom-fitted device is worn at night and gently repositions the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. Unlike CPAP machines, which use continuous air pressure through a mask, oral appliances are small, quiet, and portable. Many patients find them significantly more comfortable and easier to integrate into their nightly routine.

Custom oral appliances offer several practical advantages:

• No bulky equipment or air hoses
• Easy to wear, clean, and travel with
• Quiet operation with no motor or fan noise
• Fully customized to fit your bite and airway
• Effective for many cases of OSA and chronic snoring

If you’ve been diagnosed with OSA or suspect a sleep issue, an oral appliance may help you breathe and rest more easily, without disrupting your lifestyle.

Dr. Robert Weldon Thompson II has completed a Dental Sleep Medicine Mini-Residency through Tufts University and is actively pursuing Diplomate status with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM). This commitment to advanced training ensures that your treatment plan is grounded in the latest science and best practices in the field. We understand the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and we coordinate care with medical professionals to ensure the most effective outcomes for our sleep patients.

Your sleep apnea journey begins with a consultation at our office. We’ll review your medical and sleep history, assess your symptoms, and discuss any prior testing or diagnoses. If oral appliance therapy is appropriate, we’ll take digital scans of your mouth to create a device customized to your anatomy.

We strive to make your experience smooth, informative, and supportive.

• Comprehensive consultation and screening
• Review of any existing sleep study results
• Digital impressions for a precise, comfortable fit
• Appliance fabrication and fitting
• Adjustments for comfort and effectiveness
• Regular follow-up visits and ongoing evaluation

Our goal is to improve your sleep and support your overall health and wellness through better breathing.

Restful sleep impacts every part of your life. When your body gets the oxygen and rest it needs, you wake up energized, focused, and balanced. A custom oral appliance can ease snoring or sleep apnea comfortably, without the hassle of a CPAP machine.

If snoring, fatigue, or poor sleep is affecting your health or happiness, you don’t have to settle for restless nights. Our team offers safe, effective solutions to help you sleep better — one night at a time.